NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Perrish Cox isn't new to the NFL; he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 draft by the Denver Broncos. As a rookie, Cox started nine games in Denver, appearing in 15. He recorded 54 tackles and his first career NFL interception.
New Titans CB Perrish Cox signs his contract with his daughter by his side. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
A combination of off-field troubles and inconsistent play left the 28-year old cornerback without a start the following two seasons. Cox joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2011, playing in all 16 games but with a minimal role outside. He held a short stint in Seattle in 2013 before returning to San Francisco to finish the season.
Once again, no starts.
Cox began to figure out what it took to be a successful pro. He aligned his priorities, got involved in the community and was determined to make an impact in his fifth pro season in 2014. Still with the 49ers, Cox finally made his mark.
The Waco, Texas native started 14 games last season in San Francisco, intercepting a career-high five passes. The picks were his first since his rookie season in 2010.
Now Cox is a Titan, signing a deal this week to bring him to Tennessee for three seasons. He says he's ready to build on his strong campaign in 2014.
"I'm not satisfied," said Cox. "I think I dropped more picks than I caught. It's frustrating because when the ball is in the air I know it's mine. I get so hungry and I'm so excited that sometimes I need to calm down and just know I'm going to catch it. I've got a lot more to prove."
Cox recognized he had plenty of growing up to do at the onset of his career. His integration into the community and the birth of his daughter, Carter, helped get his personal and professional life on track. Carter joined her father at Saint Thomas Sports Park Tuesday to sign the contract and make the deal official.
Titans Online looks at the career of new Titans CB Perrish Cox, who posted a career-high five interceptions last season with the 49ers. (AP Photos)
"I was waiting on my opportunity for so long. I was hungry, and as soon as the opportunity opened up I was ready for it," he said. "When I came on my visit I told the coaches that last season was just an introduction. I'm just getting started. Once I get this opportunity, which I'm grateful to have and blessed to have, it's on. Last year was just a door opener. I'm not going anywhere."
The cornerback made his visit to the Titans last Friday, the same day Tennessee resigned OLB Derrick Morgan and landed elite pass rusher Brian Orakpo. Seeing the building blocks come together for the Titans helped Cox decide Tennessee was the place for him.
"That's music to a DB's ears," Cox said regarding the signings of Morgan and Orakpo. "That's what you want to see and hear when you have guys that you know can get to the quarterback. If they're doing their job and we're working together as one in the secondary then the sky is the limit."
Cox joins a Titans secondary led by safety Michael Griffin and will play across the field from fellow corner Jason McCourty. Griffin and Cox know each other as alumni from Big 12 schools – Griffin from Texas and Cox from Oklahoma State. Tennessee's newest corner hasn't met McCourty yet, but looks forward to being a notable tandem in 2015.
New Titans CB Perrish Cox signs his contract with his daughter by his side. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
The Titans have quietly filled a number of holes in the first two weeks of free agency, signing 10 players who are expected to make contributions next season. The national critics might not be taking notice yet, but Cox says they will in time.
"This season is going to show a whole bunch. I want to help this organization turn it around and whatever I can do I'm going to do it," he said. "When people tell you that you can't do something, there's not a better feeling in the world than to go out and prove those people wrong."
